L2 News: Jackson, Gilmour And Turner All In The News

Last updated : 11 June 2010 By Mike Wray

Gillingham:

Sky Sports has announced that Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler says he is determined to keep hold of in-demand striker Simeon Jackson.

The 23-year-old netted 14 goals for the Gills last season but it was not enough to stop them from being relegated from League One.

Now in the fourth tier of English football, the club face a stiff task in fending off repeated interest in his signature.

Jackson still has one year remaining on his contract and Hessenthaler admits he would rather keep him for another campaign and risk losing him on a free transfer than let him go now.

"I think there have been a couple of cheeky ones (offers). I don't really know, the chairman is dealing with that," he told the Kent Messenger .

"I want him to stay and I've told Simeon and his agent that but everyone has their price.

"We don't want to lose him on the cheap. But it's out of my hands really. If the right offer comes along for Simeon and it's right for both parties, then we'll probably lose him."

Hessenthaler confirmed his interest in defender Matt Fish who plays for his former club Dover.

He added: "Fish does interest me. He has been away on holiday and hasn't committed himself to anywhere at the moment."

 

Lincoln City:

The Lincolnshire Echo has reported that Brian Gilmour’s future at Lincoln City was hanging in the balance on Friday after it emerged Chris Sutton has put the striker's contract on the backburner.

The former Rangers forward claims he is still waiting to put pen to paper on a new one-year deal and is growing increasingly concerned by the delay.

Gilmour now fears the offer may have been withdrawn, having received no feedback from the club since the curtains closed on a disappointing campaign last term.

But it is believed Imps boss Sutton has become annoyed by the striker's lack of urgency in committing his future having decided to go on holiday instead.

The City chief is now understood to have moved him down his priority list, to concentrate on his striker search which has so far hit a brick wall.

But Gilmour is keen to thrash out his future in the next 24 hours, especially as he will be out of the country for the following week.

"I don't know what is going on to be honest and I'm a little in the dark with respect to my contract," said Gilmour.

"Everything had been agreed at the end of the season and I was happy with it, but I went away and heard nothing back since which is slightly concerning.

"I've now left it in the hands of my agent, but he does not know what is happening either and I guess I'm stuck in limbo until the gaffer gets back to me.

"I've not spoken to any other clubs, because I thought everything was sorted here and I am more than happy to stay otherwise I wouldn't have agreed a contract.

"But I just don't know whether the offer is still on the table. I guess only time will tell."

 

Shrewsbury Town:

The Guardian Online has reported on Graham Turner becoming the new manager of Shrewsbury Town - making an emotional return to the club he both played for and managed more than 30 years ago.

The 62-year-old ended his 15-year association with Hereford last Friday when he sold his shareholding in the club, bringing to an end his time as chairman, chief executive and manager at Edgar Street.

Turner has made a swift return to the game back on familiar territory, having made over 350 appearances for Shrewsbury from 1973-1983, and also managing the club between 1978 and 1984.

Turner became Town's most successful ever manager during his six-year spell in charge, guiding the Shropshire club into England's second tier in his first season and to two FA Cup quarter-finals.

His appointment brings an end to a lengthy six-week selection process to find a replacement for Paul Simpson, who was sacked following the club's failure to secure a League Two play-off place.

"It's great to be back where I started out all those years ago, and I have fond memories of my previous spell here," said Turner. "I'm looking forward to getting started and will be doing all I can to bring success to the football club."